Sea Duck Joint Venture

A Conservation Partnership under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan

Sea Duck Joint Venture

Sea Duck Joint Venture

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

The Common Eider is the largest duck in the northern hemisphere; an adult weighs 1300–2660 grams (2.8–5.9 lbs) and is 50–71 cm (20–28 in.) long. Males are somewhat larger than females; size varies among races. The eider is a heavy-bodied sea duck with a relatively short, stout neck and a distinctive long, triangular (wedge-shaped) bill. There are four identified subspecies of Common Eider in North America.

Species Knowledge Summary and Information Needs

Sea Duck Information Series Fact Sheet [PDF]

Pacific Common Eider [PDF]

Northern Common Eider [PDF]

Hudson Bay Common Eider [PDF]

American Common Eider [PDF]

Aerial Identification video

Common Eider Photo Gallery

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Mission

The Sea Duck Joint Venture promotes the conservation of all North American sea ducks through partnerships by providing greater knowledge and understanding for effective population and habitat conservation and management.